Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh which follows the Assam Forest Regulation Act (AFRA), 1891, will enact its own Forest Act to protect virgin forests and flora and fauna in the state, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests B S Sajwan said on monday.
"We are serious about framing our own forest laws to protect the states biodiversity," Sajwan told a press conference.
Without divulging the timeframe by which the act would be ready, he said "It will be a time taking process and we will have to discuss the pros and cons with stakeholders before framing the laws."
To a question on impact of construction of hydro power projects in the state on environment, Sajwan said that the ministry of environment and forest conducted Environment Impact Assessment before giving approval to any project.
On the Forest Protection Force and Special Tiger Protection Force which was approved by the state assembly recently, the PCCF said "The Centre has sanctioned a STPF company especially for Pakke Tiger Reserve in East Kameng district and has agreed to bear all the expenditure.
"We are also going to submit a similar proposal soon for Namdapha Tiger Reserve in Changlang district," he said.
PTI
